From the sacred rituals of online communities to the moral dilemmas of post-apocalyptic worlds, this section explores how games mirror — and shape — human psychology. Discover how cognition, emotion, identity, and storytelling collide in digital spaces, revealing what play can teach us about ourselves, our culture, and the worlds we build together.
Understanding the Symptoms of Gaming Addiction
Explores the symptoms and broader impact of gaming addiction, a condition that can be surprisingly easy to overlook.
How Jungian Psychology is Woven into the Persona Video Game Series
Explore how Jungian psychology is woven into the Persona series.
From Damsel to Decision-Maker: Gender Representation and Agency in Slay the Princess
Explore how Slay the Princess subverts the stereotypical princess trope, drawing on psychological theories and peer-reviewed sources to analyse its impact on perceptions of gender and agency.
The Impact of Violent Video Games on Emotional Empathy: What Science Reveals
Could spending hours in a virtual battlefield alter our ability to empathize with others in real life? Let's dive into the science behind this pressing question.
The Power of Choice: How Video Games Shape Our Moral Compass
Explore how video games shape our moral compass, delving into the psychological mechanisms at play.
Rage Quit or Power Up? Understanding Frustration in Video Games
Delve into the psychological underpinnings of frustration in video games, exploring its causes, effects, and potential benefits
Psychological Impact on Art and Animation
Explore how principles of psychology, including visual perception, emotional design, and character development, inform art and animation in video games
Psychological Principles in Programming for Game Development
Explore the psychological impacts on various aspects of game programming, including AI behaviour, user feedback, and the overall user experience
Psychological Theories of Motivation in Video Game Development
Explore key psychological theories of motivation, including Self-Determination Theory, Flow Theory, and Reinforcement Theory, and examines how they can be applied to video game development.
The Role of Psychology in UX Design for Video Games
Explore key psychological principles that influence UX in video games, including motivation, flow, feedback, social interaction, and cognitive load.
User Experience (UX) in Video Games
Explore the key components of UX in video games, the challenges faced by developers, and best practices for creating a compelling and user-friendly gaming experience
LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in Game Design
Explore the psychological impact of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in video games
Psychological Themes in Life is Strange
Life is Strange, developed by Dontnod Entertainment, is a critically acclaimed episodic graphic adventure game that explores complex psychological themes through its narrative and character development. This article delves into the psychological aspects of Life is Strange, focusing on themes such as trauma, identity, morality, and the impact of choices. By examining these elements through the lens of psychological theory and research, we can gain a deeper understanding of how video games can effectively convey profound psychological experiences.
Ethical In-Game Purchases: A Case Study of Gwent
Gwent, a digital collectible card game developed by CD Projekt Red, provides an exemplary model of how in-game purchases can be handled respectfully and ethically. This article explores the mechanisms and strategies used by Gwent to ensure fair and respectful in-game purchasing, supported by peer-reviewed research on ethical game design and consumer behaviour.
The Therapeutic Potential of Tetris in Treating PTSD
Recently, researchers have explored unconventional interventions, such as the video game Tetris, for their potential in alleviating PTSD symptoms. This article examines the scientific basis and therapeutic potential of Tetris in the context of PTSD treatment.
How Psychology is Exploited in the Video Game Industry
The video game industry, worth over $180 billion globally, surpasses the film and music industries combined. Central to its success is the application of psychological principles to enhance user engagement and maximize profits. This article explores how psychological mechanisms are exploited in video games, drawing on peer-reviewed research to elucidate these practices.
Ethical Framework for In-Game Purchases
The framework outlined here encourages ethical in-game purchase systems that safeguard players from financial harm and addiction.
How Do Horror Video Games Influence Fear and Anxiety Levels?
Horror video games, with their immersive environments, eerie atmospheres, and intense narratives, are designed to evoke fear and anxiety. Understanding how horror video games influence fear and anxiety levels provides insights into the psychological impacts of this genre and its potential therapeutic and educational applications.
The Impact of Cooperative Gameplay on Social Skills
Video games have evolved from simple, single-player experiences to complex, multiplayer environments that encourage interaction and cooperation among players. Cooperative gameplay, where players work together to achieve common goals, is a particularly significant aspect of modern gaming. This type of gameplay can have profound effects on social skills, including communication, teamwork, and empathy. Understanding these impacts can provide insights into how cooperative games can be used as tools for social development.